CHILDREN from a Palestinian refugee camp are today free to make their planned visit to the North East following a review of a decision to refuse them visas.

Young Palestinian refugees from the Shatila camp in Beirut, who are performing in a play

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CHILDREN from a Palestinian refugee camp are today free to make their planned visit to the North East following a review of a decision to refuse them visas.

On Wednesday it emerged entry to the UK has been denied to the 10 youngsters and their three teachers from the Shatila camp in Beirut.

The 12-year-olds had been due to arrive on Sunday as guests of the North Tyneside-based charity Shatila Theatre Trust, in what was to have been the third visit of camp youngsters to the region in the last four years.

The charity had paid £9,000 air fares and accommodation at the Northumbria Hotel in Whitley Bay so the youngsters could take part in arts projects in North Tyneside.

After the refusal of visas, Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell, who is patron of the trust, took up the case.

Now Mr Campbell has been told the children and their teachers have been asked to report to the British Embassy in Beirut to be issued with single-entry visas which will cover the 10-day trip.

“When we contacted the Embassy they agreed to review the original visa decision,” said Mr Campbell, a former Home Office minister.

He said the Embassy had been under considerable pressure with visa applications because of the crisis in Syria. “I think the Shatila group got caught up in this and there was a lack of recognition about their visit,” added Mr Campbell.

“I am grateful that once they had a better understanding of the situation the Embassy was brilliant and acted quickly.

“I am very pleased at the outcome because a lot of hard work has gone into planning this visit and it is a big thing for the local community.”

Cullercoats writer Peter Mortimer, who helped set up the Shatila charity, said: “ There is an overwhelming feeling of relief. A whole year of planning would have been wasted and all future projects would also have been down the drain.

“I appreciate the Embassy is under enormous pressure but they have rectified the situation and that will be fantastic for the children.

“We are very grateful to Mr Campbell.

“Visits like this are the experience of a lifetime for these camp youngsters.”

During their stay, the youngsters will work with artists in Whitley Bay and North Shields to produce murals on boards which will go on show at Tynemouth Station.

They will also make a trip to The Alnwick Garde, watch Brazil play at St James’ Park, and visit Newcastle city centre and South Shields fun fair.

Camp youngsters on visits in 2009 and 2011 performed plays at venues ranging from the Sage Gateshead to Bellingham in Northumberland.